This article explores the ways in which deaf college students
who are members of minority racial groups think about and
describe their identities. In-depth, semi structured interviews
with 33 deaf students of Asian American, Hispanic American,
and African American background were analyzed for themes
regarding the self-reported identities of respondents. Results
suggest that each person is a constellation of many parts, some
of which are stronger than others but any of which can be
drawn out in response to a particular set of circumstances, resulting
in a contextual and interactive model of identity. Four
factors arc described as central to this "intraindividual"
model: individual characteristics, situational conditions, social
conditions, and societal conditions. Additionally, the model
includes a biographical component reflected in changes in
identity that occur over time. Findings are discussed as they
relate to identity theory. The article is concluded with recommendations
for further research, as well as considerations for
educators and counselors of deaf minority students.